Palm Mountain Resort

Sun-Soaked Resort with Mountain Views in Downtown Palm Springs

Set near the arid Colorado Desert, Palm Springs gets less than 6 inches of rain annually, yet one of its biggest attractions contains nearly a million gallons of water. Designed to recall surfing's heyday, the 1950s-style Knott's Soak City features more than a dozen water slides, a massive wave pool, and a kiddie park. This getaway includes options for two passes to Knott’s Soak City. Accommodations are about a 10-minute drive from the park, at Palm Mountain Resort.

Palm Mountain Resort is within walking distance of downtown Palm Springs' trendy shops and international restaurants. The getaway includes two complimentary passes to the Palm Springs Art Museum, which is best known for its large collection of western folk art. You’ll also be treated to a continental breakfast for two every morning at the 1940s-inspired Ruby's Diner.

After a day at the water park or exploring other area attractions, you can unwind at the resort’s onsite spa. Indulge in a hot-stone massage or a body wrap infused with aloe vera, chamomile, and lavender. Then spend the night in a spacious guest room featuring a refrigerator, a microwave, and a flat-screen television mounted on one of the adobe-style walls.

Palm Springs, California: Desert City with Outdoor Recreation and Hollywood History

Nestled in the Coachella Valley in southern California, Palm Springs has fallen in and out of fashion throughout the past two centuries. The desert city, which boasts a strong Native American influence, remained relatively unknown up until the 20th century, when Hollywood A-listers flocked there for its temperate weather and tucked-away feel. Word spread quickly, and by the 1950s and 1960s, the landscape was dotted with tennis courts, swimming pools, and flashy modern homes owned by the likes of Elvis and Frank Sinatra.

Though it experienced a lull at the turn of the century, Palm Springs has emerged once again as a vacation hotspot. The sun shines there roughly 350 days a year, which makes it easy to hike nearby or play on one of its designer golf courses in any season. Luxury spas and boutique shops cover the glitzy downtown area of Palm Springs. There's an old, kitschy feel that still survives in the city, which is now surrounded by retro midcentury hotels and classic Mediterranean-inspired villas.